There's no shortage of cookouts and bar-b-que’s this Fourth of July holiday. But a small East Moline tradition takes the cake - every year for the last 40 years residents of 27th Avenue Court gather on the Fourth for a special brunch.
"We just all sit down and eat. Thank the good Lord for a great nation we live in that's what the 4th of July is all about," says founder Pat Wendt.
The families of 27th Street Court in East Moline have been holding this brunch every Fourth of July for the last 40 years.
"We do it early, we do it at nine o'clock because as you can see it's already getting hot. But then everyone can go do their own thing on the fourth and it's just away to keep the neighborhood together and have that camaraderie," says Lisa Botsworth.
"It's unbelievable," explains Dennis Miller.
Over the years families have come and gone. But this neighborhood still kicks off the fourth with a brunch, and a few yard games for both kids and adults…
"I've never seen this like the way they've set this up," says Miller.
"Everyone looks forward to it. Even people that used to live here still like to come back for the Fourth of July breakfast," says Candy Wendt.
"We've lived in this house since 1986 and we've done this every year,” says Lynette Mathias.
"I don't know what makes this work we just enjoy being together," says Cindy Wendt.
Families living on 27th Avenue Court say plans are already in the works for next year’s Fourth of July Brunch.